Legislators thanked for help with Paoli Transportation Center

Staff Photo by Vinny Tennis
Representatives from the Paoli Business and Professional Association held a small ceremony to thank Senator Andy Dinniman and Representative Duane Milne for their work on passing a transportation bill. From left, Judy Huey, Rep. Milne, Linda Goldstein, Ed Auble, Sen. Dinniman, Andy Wilson, Dave Rowland, John DiBuonaventuro, and Robert O’Leary.

TREDYFFRIN – The Paoli Business and Professional Association honored local members of the legislature on Thursday for their votes in favor of the comprehensive transportation improvement and funding bill.

At a small ceremony Thursday afternoon, the association thanked state Rep. Duane Milne, R-167th of Willistown, and state Sen. Andrew Dinniman, D-19th of West Whiteland for their support for the bill.

The bill invests $2.3 billion in transportation infrastructure over the next five years with around $500 million dedicated to public transportation.

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According to Ed Auble, president of the Paoli Business and Professional Association, some of that funding will go towards the proposed Paoli Train Station.

Auble said about $14.5 million dollars from the transportation bill will come to Paoli to start working on the infrastructure to prepare for the train station. The entire project will cost an estimated $140 million.

Both Milne and Dinniman said that the train station is important for the Great Valley business community.

“This kind of project happens because of a local, concerted effort by organizations like the Paoli Business Association to keep the public sector paying attention to the importance of the project,” Milne said at the event on Thursday. “I have enjoyed working with the Paoli Business Association over the years. They do great work in the community.”

Dinniman added that the bill will be helping infrastructure throughout the county.

“I cannot overemphasize the significance of this project for the future of the Paoli region and for our economic growth here in Chester County,” Dinniman said. “We are also investing significant resources in updating and improving train stations in Coatesville, Downingtown, Exton and Parkesburg. The focus will continue to be on the development of Paoli as a regional transportation hub serving the Great Valley economic corridor.”

Auble said the project is still in planning stages, but it would build a new train station and parking garage for commuters, as well as improve roads and infrastructure. The business community in Paoli would benefit from the train station, Auble said, and was grateful for the boost of funding provided by the new transportation bill.

“We wanted to thank them for their support,” said Auble.

Follow Daily Local News staff writer on Twitter at @KendalGapinski.

About the Author

Kendal Gapinski is the Daily Local News reporter covering events in the Whiteland and Uwchlan areas. She is a 2013 graduate from American University. Reach the author at kgapinski@dailylocal.com
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